Winter

Winter

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Friday Ramblings


I woke up this morning with this poem going around in my head.
When I was a new Mom, new wife, new everything.
I would never know where to begin with the day.
There would be days when I never got dressed because
every time I put the baby down she cried.
I got better as time went on but still I would be at my wits end
with all of this mothering business.
I desperately needed a older woman in my life. Then a lady told
about this 15 minute radio program by a lady named Elisabeth
Elliot.

So every morning for 15 minutes a day she taught me. I listened.
I bought her tapes and to tell you the truth. I would listen over and
over and most of the time I didn't have a clue what she was
talking about. Servant hood, discipleship, submission, biblical
authority. I would listen and then I started trying what I learned.
I still had the hardest problem on getting dressed in the morning.
One morning she quoted this poem. So many mornings,
I would sit, and try and figure out what was the next thing.
I learned to jump in the shower before my husband left for work.
I learned to clean the house up before I went to bed. I also
learned to have my quiet time before the kids got up.
But I think everything changed when I was able to quote this poem
to myself when life got crazy. I thought I would share it with you
on the Friday.



Do The Next Thing

From an old English parsonage,
Down by the sea,
There came in the twilight,
A message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend,
Deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me,
Teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours
The quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration-
DO THE NEXT THING

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment,
Let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity,
Guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows,
Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus,
DO THE NEXT THING

Do it immediately;
Do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence,
Tracing His Hand,
Who placed it before thee with
Earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence,
Safe 'neath His wing,
Leave all resultings,
DO THE NEXT THING

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
(Working or suffering)
Be thy demeanor,
In His dear presence,
The rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance
Be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness,
Praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons thee,
DO THE NEXT THING

-Author unknown
Elisabeth Elliot taught me so much, my spirit drank in her words and I went
from this young woman who had wholeheartedly embraced the Woman
Lib Movement to a woman who wanted to be the kind of woman that
Proverbs 31 spoke about. I want to get to the end of my life and have my
children rise up and called me blessed and I wanted my husband to speak
within the gates. I wanted him to be able to safely trust in me.
I wanted to be as the wise woman was in Proverbs 14 considered wise and
not a foolish one who tore down her house with her hands.

I really shudder to think what I might have become if not for the
teaching of Elisabeth Elliot and her older woman influence in my life.
As she said once, " all of us can be a older woman to someone."
I think it is so true,
So just a bit on what I was thinking about on this lovely Friday.
Have a lovely day


Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, for His wonderful works to the children of men!

(Psalm. 107:6)

13 comments:

Karen said...

Kim, this is so precious! Isn't it amazing who has influenced our lives. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend.

Miss Debbie said...

Wonderful post! I had an older woman that I could go to for answers and comfort. I also had a group of women my age who were also stay-at-home moms that I could call on for help or to vent!:-) It made all the difference. God has certainly used Elisabeth Elliot to make a difference in this world. Imagine how many women, just like you, that she ministered to....countless! Hope you have a blessed weekend!

Julia said...

Kim, You were a wise woman for wanting an older woman to guide you.

Me on the contrary, I didn't want an old woman telling me what to do instead I relied on the Dr Spock book that my gynecologist doctor had given me when my first child was born. I referred to it so many time to reassure myself. I did loved so much to be a mom though and to keep my small apartment tidy. That was my dream when I was a young girl.

It was right for you as you love words so much and I'm glad that you followed her guidance. Have a great weekend. JB

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

This is great...she wasn't on the radio where I lived, that I know of, but I never missed Focus on the Family...always at 9:00 am. Then I read every book I could get my hands on and learned to eat the meat and spit out the bones.
My desire is the same as yours.
So glad God answered so many of our young mother's hearts through Godly women's teachings.
I wonder if that is what He is doing through blogs today?

Kessie said...

Thanks for posting that, Mom. I have a terrible headcold today, and having to take care of sick children and still run a household is almost more than I can handle. I just keep trying to do the next thing.

myletterstoemily said...

i a grateful for the very same infuences, too!

but get this, i am a complete "first ladies"
addict and cannot wait for the next book to
come out.

two more things we have in common. woo hoo!

Sue said...

Kim, I am so thankful for the guidance I found in Christian writers such as Elizabeth Elliott and many more.as well as my Bible. What a beautiful poem, I am so blessed by your desire as a young mother to want to please God by loving and serving your family. And Kim, you are now giving to others what you received from your mentor, Elizabeth Elliot. How Awesome is that!!! We never know how we are impacting others, whether writing,or just living it before them.

I can't tell you how blessed I was by your comment last night, I had a good cry, but it is you that impacts my life. I am so thankful for your friendship.
Much love today,
Hugs,
Sue

Let'sMakeADifference said...

Great post! I was blog hopping and found your blog! I LOVE Elizabeth Elliot also! I consider her to be my mentor, and I have given her advice to 'do the next thing' more times than I could count! We have other things in common! It was fun to read your post! I DO NOT, however, give gifts that are are beautiful as the one that you sent to Everyday Ruralty though !!! :( I'm a new follower. Would love for you to check out my blog and follow back!!

Verde Farm said...

Kim, I bet you are that woman to many! What a great and special post ;)
Amy

myletterstoemily said...

mitford? are you kidding me?? i can quote every
uncle billy joke! :)

Walk In Truth said...

Hi Kim,
I found your blog through Karen's " Places of my Heart".
I really like the look of your blog, it feels very welcoming. The poem is encouraging, and motivating, thank you for sharing.
My blog is new, and I have been blessed to have met amazing people. If you have the chance, I would love to have you visit me at my blog.
God bless you, ---Michele Katherine

Moonpie primitives said...

Hi Kim:
You are so very kind thanks for the complements on the new items I added to my blog..You are great for my self esteem...I also have the hardest time seeing at night I have three lamps and a overhead light in my sewing room and still have trouble seeing....But I do have these funny magnifying glass my family make fun of me all the time for them (but I just laugh because I think it is better to see) They look like a visor and I can move them up and down..I really don't know what I would do with out them... I love reading your blog it is very uplifting and encouraging...Keep up the good work and thanks again, Nancy

Cotton Eyed Jo said...

Thank you so much for sharing this lovely poem. It isn't one I was familiar with, but goes along with my own thoughts that when we feel backed into a corner, under an impossible burden, or hanging on my a thread taking action is the way out! It is put forth here in such a lovely way.

I loved what Julia said about you being a wise woman waiting for an older woman to guide you.
Your family is truly blessed in you and the work of your hands and heart.